By Shashi P.B.B. Malla
The results of the parliamentary election reflects the mood in the country at large.
This mood is a total rejection of the old, established parties, and above all their leaders. There is the feeling that these leaders have done a great disservice to the country and must be made accountable.
On the positive side, the leaders of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have made a more than convincing case for change. Their arguments have been clear-cut and some have even demonstrated a touch of charisma.
But now comes the hard part.
The art of governing is not something that they have much experience.
Right from the beginning, they will have to avoid even the smell of endemic corruption.
The country does have experts in various fields, and it is essential that they be incorporated in the governing system right from the start, e.g. as advisers.
It will also be a difficult task bringing together a balanced cabinet.
The new government will do well to incorporate as many qualified women as possible. From the gender side, for too long, Nepalese who make up more than half the population have been under represented.
Then to avoid the impression that the government is dominated by the Khas Arya clans and families, it must also have slots for the various ethnic groups and dalits.
It may seem like the attempting to square the circle, but however difficult the task at hand, it must be attempted.
This is also the case with the major problems facing the country, above all in sustaining a vibrant economy.
Sectors must be identified where growth is possible in the short term and then doing everything to achieve sustained development.
One such area is tourism in all its aspects. Until now, to little has been attempted too late. Nepal’s tourism potential has not been exploited at all.
Nepal’s task in the foreign affairs domain is also under-developed.
It is not enough to proclaim a policy of strict neutrality, non-alignment and avoidance of military pacts.
It is the difficult task of seeking to profit from the close proximity of two of the largest economies of the world.
The old order did nothing for the people, the new government must do everything to serve the people – that is its mandate.
The writer can be reached at:
shashimalla125@gmail.com
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